Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery

Updated on November 22, 2010

Understanding Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is the medical term referring to eyelid surgery. The goal of eyelid surgery is to recreate the youthful contour of the eyelids with relation to the eyebrows and cheeks. One can undergo either upper eye lid or lower eye lid surgery. In some cases, Blepharoplasty can also be carried out to remove excess tissue from the upper eyelid that may hang over the eyelashes and cause a loss of peripheral vision. This may cause difficulties with activities such as driving or reading.

The procedure

The procedure can be performed while the patient is awake or asleep. Lower eyelid surgery can be performed in two ways. The surgeon may use transconjunctival or incisionless Blepharoplasty on the inside surface of the lower lid. "Incisionless" does not mean that no incision is made, it simply means that the incision will be hidden after healing. In some patients, an incision may be made just below the eyelashes. Lower eyelid surgery is ideal for getting rid of puffy "eye bags."

In upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made just above the upper eye lid and is hidden from view by the crease in the upper eyelid.

The procedure typically takes between one to two hours depending on the extent of surgery.

For those of East or Southeast Asian descent, an upper Blepharoplasty also known as an Asian blepharoplasty can help to artificially create a crease above the upper eyelid.

Recovery from Eyelid Surgery

After eye lid surgery, the area around the eyes will remain swollen and bruised for a period of about two weeks, though some patients will heal faster. The tiny scars should cease to be evident in about two months after the surgery. Eye drops or ointment may be prescribed and it will not be possible to wear contact lenses during this period.

The results of eye lid surgery can be quite extraordinary giving the appearance of one being younger by as much as 20 years!

More by this Author

Trichomoniasis is the name given to an infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, normally abbreviated as TV. TV is a motile protozoan from the same family of organisms as the amoebae that you may have studied in school. It...

A supportive and conducive work environment is a key success factor for any organization. This is because results are achieved through people. There is a direct relationship between high morale and productivity.

1 comment

Lower eyelid surgery is often the long-awaited solution for those who believe that looking older is not welcome in most people's social lives. If you are "starting over" or getting back into the dating scene, it's common to become extra self-conscious about your looks and the age-related changes you see. Major life events such as weddings may motivate you to seek lower eyelid surgery to finally have the appearance you see in your mind's eye be reflected in your mirror.